Good question along with how did Cal Hi host a show without ever hosting or becoming a member before that fall season is still a mystery. They got the show I don't question Cal Hi but what about all the other schools who have been waiting for someone to drop a date so they could sign up, what about them and where is the reasoned responce? What does one have to do to get a show date : winterguard, drumline, parade, concert, jazz, twister? The so called guidelines are on the site but are the dates up for bid or discussed at the few general meetings or just given out to those most worthy. These events bring in lots of money for the host and only a precious few seem to have a show and everyone else pays in to them. Whence comes the revolution. Change is at hand. Are you ready for the responcibility?

There was a very good point made here and I as a former high school band director missed it: What about the the middle schools? Six years I along with my kids have felt like second class citizens: from no division to only one award to smaller trophies to no announced awards to "we will send you a trophy" (that never arrives) to " ...it"s not about the award..." to "You can't compete against high schools!" to middle schools show up at 6am and awards are at 4pm to "aren't they cute" and "...for a middle school you..." to "...it will cost more..." to "...your just a middle school ___...". I have heard all of these said in most earnest of tones. When will everyone realize that middle school programs are for real. They are not just cutesy. There are many examples of outstanding middle school programs that regularly out perform most high schools. That these kids are sophisticated performers that are well trained and knowledgable in their fields and understand the world of pageantry as it applies to them? These performers are not dumb! And every slite cuts them no matter how well the band director sugar coats it. Wake up and take note Jesse Bethal has a Springstowne and that has made for great performances at both schools. Both have represented Nor Cal and NCBA at the national level. So time to rise your awareness, middle schools deserve respect and EQUAL TREATMENT!

AMEN! Totally agree with gcarrasco! As an instructor for many years with a middle school program I too have often felt that middle schools in all aspects are always treated second to high schools! I have personally seen many middle schools throughout the years perform at such a high level, but we/they don't get the recognizition desreved!

Wow, sometimes I surprise myself, keep up the great comments! Hey, why don't we hear from a High School Band Director?

I need a break from preparing for my next Music Appreciation class...I will accept the "challenge: Hey, why don't we hear from a High School Band Director?." You are looking to get respect from COLLEAGUES who receive poor treatment at their own high schools and the high school culture as a whole. So, maybe they take the 'abuse' they are enduring at the high school to the 'outside' world. Not to justify their poor words/actions... JUST A THOUGHT...

I love the middle school band directors who prepare students to be with me at the high school. I LOVE THOSE MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND DIRECTORS/INSTRUCTORS/COLOR GUARD DIRECTORS/COLOR GUARD INSTRUCTORS/PARENTS/FAMILIES/THE WORLD. Without their patience, talent, discipline, support...we would not be making music at the high school. I know who is doing "the work."

People who make silly comments, have smaller trophies, etc. that Mr. Carrasco gave as examples in an earlier message are showing their stupidity/ignorance; neither of which I have much more time to deal with. If those non-middle school folks are folks you (middle school teachers/instrucors) are sending students to your district's high school, TALK TO THEM. These comments need to be done. By the way, I do teach a middle school drumline, too.

I suggest we stay focused on the "NCBA champs" topic. This important topic (the lack of respect given towards middle school ensembles - is a different topic (my opinion). Frankly, a divisive topic. Let's work together. Back to preparing my High School Music Appreciation class...

Hello to a high/middle school band director. Good feed back but I am shocked that you feel this is a divisive topic. When I taught high school I would take sick days just to travel to my middle schools and heap praise on their effort and offer any possible assistance. You are right that this is a topic to discuss and this is not the right thread to do on, maybe. But the cats out of the bag and this situation is a part of the NCBA bias that needs to be addressed. I will end here and maybe someone will pick up the ball.

Hello to a high/middle school band director. Good feed back but I am shocked that you feel this is a divisive topic. When I taught high school I would take sick days just to travel to my middle schools and heap praise on their effort and offer any possible assistance. You are right that this is a topic to discuss and this is not the right thread to do on, maybe. But the cats out of the bag and this situation is a part of the NCBA bias that needs to be addressed. I will end here and maybe someone will pick up the ball.

Interesting perception on how you read what I wrote. HHHmmmm..let me tell ya George ...I (plus SEVEN OF MY HIGH SCHOOL BAND STURENTS) GLADLY/WILLINGLY take Wednesdays/Thursdays (including tomorrow April 13th) AFTER school to go HELP teach the middle school drumline. No pay...just love George...I guess just like you George. I guess some people would think I am doing the equivalent to what you did as a high school band director. "...this situation is a part of the NCBA bias that needs to be addressed. " Gosh, I understand there are issues with the NCBA CHAMPS (which is what this topic was), but Wow...I NEVER felt NCBA negative bias towards the middle school drumline I taught. I thought the judging was fair. Comments were 'good.' I enjoyed "the height" of each trophy those STUDENTS EARNED (not that I care but y'all mentioned it in one of your postings). Again, I LOVE THE MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND DIRECTORS, STUDENTS, PARENTS, GUARD INSTRUCTORS: HECK ANYONE ASSOCIATED WITH THE MUSIC PROGRAM AT THE ELEMENTARY /MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL. Start another thread George about NCBA bias towards middle school groups and read what is written. I would suggest NCBA BIAS TOWARDS MIDDLE SCHOOL GROUPS on the directors forum as well and read what your "colleagues" write. Being an instructor for a middle school drumline I would be curious to read others' comments.

Yes, a new thread absitivily-posilutely but it would probably help create more conversation if someone else posted it. Just a thought. By the way I have thrown my hat in the ring for Winter Activity VP. No limit to my foolishness!

The school I teach at is brand new and can hold 2500 people in it. However, our second gym is connected to our big gym. We have a cafeteria that can hold a 40'x60' floor and has super high ceilings. It's probably not champs worthy because it lacks a second gym. I mean there is a middle school 3 miles west of the High School and seats a small 600-800 people [it's a middle school]. If we held middle school champs at the middle school and high school champs at the high school, then it would probably work. I really hope champs comes to American Canyon. The location is perfect too, right smack dab in the middle of the NCBA bands that stretch up to Oroville, and NCBA bands that reach all the way down to the South Bay. And it's literally right off of Hwy 80. Idk, that's just my input on this venue. Maybe NCBA should at least consider holding a winter review here if not champs.

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